You'll find the path less traveled in the north tip of this 26,300-acre refuge. From Brunswick, take the 12-mile dirt road to Lewis Pond overlook and start hiking north on the old skid road until you reach the refuge boundary sign. All trails end here, but with a map and compass, it's an easy ramble up to a wide, grassy plateau that's home to moose, barred owls, and beavers. Hike up the steep incline to the highest point in the refuge, where stunted balsam fir and yellow birch trees abound. From here you're two miles back to the car, or you can continue on into the wilderness before a peaceful night's rest at the 142-year-old Clyde River Hotel (doubles from $65; clyderiverhotel.com), in Island Pond.